Nissan Kicks: Highway Performance Review

So, you're wondering if the Nissan Kicks is a good choice for highway driving? That's a great question, and it's one that many potential buyers have. Let's dive deep into what makes a car suitable for the highway and how the Kicks measures up. When we talk about highway driving, we're generally concerned with factors like engine power, ride comfort, noise levels, safety features, and fuel efficiency. The Nissan Kicks, while being a popular subcompact SUV, has its own set of strengths and weaknesses that you should consider before making a decision. For many, the Kicks serves as a practical and affordable option for city commuting, but the open road presents a different set of challenges. Think about those long road trips or even just the daily commute where you're spending a significant amount of time at higher speeds. You want a vehicle that can handle it all without leaving you feeling fatigued or unsafe. That's where understanding the Kicks' highway capabilities becomes crucial. We'll break down each aspect, from how it accelerates onto the on-ramp to how well it handles those unexpected crosswinds. By the end of this review, you'll have a clear picture of whether the Nissan Kicks is the right highway companion for you.

Engine Performance and Acceleration

When it comes to highway driving, engine performance is paramount. The Nissan Kicks is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 122 horsepower. Now, that might sound sufficient for city driving, but the highway demands more oomph. Merging onto the highway requires brisk acceleration to match the flow of traffic, and this is where the Kicks can feel a little underpowered. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) doesn't help much in this regard either. While CVTs are great for fuel efficiency, they often lack the immediate responsiveness that traditional automatic transmissions provide. You might find yourself pressing the accelerator pedal quite a bit to get up to speed, and overtaking other vehicles can require some planning. It's not to say the Kicks can't handle the highway, but it definitely requires a different driving style. You'll need to anticipate your moves and make sure you have enough room to pass. On the plus side, once you're up to cruising speed, the engine settles down and becomes relatively quiet. However, if you frequently encounter steep inclines or need to carry heavy loads, you'll likely notice the engine working harder, which can impact fuel economy and overall driving experience. Think of it this way: the Kicks is more of a marathon runner than a sprinter. It can maintain a steady pace, but it's not going to win any races. So, if you're someone who enjoys a more spirited driving experience, the Kicks might leave you wanting more.

Ride Comfort and Handling

Ride comfort and handling are crucial for long highway journeys. The Nissan Kicks is designed with a focus on urban environments, and this is reflected in its suspension setup. The ride is generally comfortable on smooth roads, but it can become a bit bumpy on uneven surfaces or when encountering potholes. The short wheelbase of the Kicks also contributes to a slightly choppier ride compared to larger SUVs. However, the Kicks does have some redeeming qualities when it comes to handling. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in traffic. The car feels relatively stable at highway speeds, although crosswinds can be noticeable due to its lightweight design. Noise levels inside the cabin are also a factor to consider. While the Kicks is not excessively noisy, you'll likely hear some wind and road noise, especially at higher speeds. This can become tiresome on long trips, so investing in some soundproofing materials or a good set of headphones might be a worthwhile consideration. In terms of seating, the front seats are generally comfortable and offer decent support. However, the rear seats can be a bit cramped for taller passengers, especially on longer journeys. Legroom is limited, and the seatbacks are fairly upright, which can lead to discomfort. Overall, the Kicks is adequate for shorter highway trips, but for longer journeys, you might find yourself wishing for a more refined and comfortable ride.

Safety Features

When it comes to highway driving, safety features are non-negotiable. The Nissan Kicks comes standard with a suite of advanced safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features can be incredibly helpful on the highway, where maintaining awareness of your surroundings is crucial. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid an accident. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, which can be especially useful on long, monotonous stretches of road. Blind-spot monitoring helps you keep track of vehicles in your blind spots, making it safer to change lanes. In addition to these standard features, the Kicks also offers available options like adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. This can be a real game-changer on the highway, reducing driver fatigue and making the journey more relaxing. The Kicks has also performed well in crash tests, earning good ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This provides added peace of mind knowing that the car is designed to protect you in the event of a collision. Overall, the Nissan Kicks offers a solid array of safety features that make it a reasonably safe choice for highway driving.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a major selling point for the Nissan Kicks, and it's one area where it truly shines on the highway. The Kicks boasts an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of around 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. The combination of the 1.6-liter engine and the CVT transmission helps the Kicks achieve these impressive numbers. The CVT is designed to keep the engine operating at its most efficient range, which translates to less fuel consumption. On long highway trips, this can save you a significant amount of money on gas. Of course, actual fuel economy can vary depending on your driving style and road conditions. If you're constantly accelerating and braking or driving at high speeds, you'll likely see a decrease in fuel economy. However, even under less-than-ideal conditions, the Kicks should still deliver respectable fuel economy. Compared to other SUVs in its class, the Kicks offers a clear advantage in terms of fuel efficiency. This makes it an attractive option for those who do a lot of highway driving and want to minimize their fuel costs. So, if you're looking for a fuel-sipping SUV that won't break the bank at the pump, the Nissan Kicks is definitely worth considering.

Overall Highway Suitability

So, overall, how suitable is the Nissan Kicks for highway driving? The answer is a bit nuanced. While the Kicks has its strengths, particularly in terms of fuel efficiency and safety features, it also has some weaknesses that could be a concern for some drivers. The engine can feel underpowered when merging onto the highway or overtaking other vehicles, and the ride can be a bit bumpy on rough roads. Noise levels inside the cabin can also be a bit high, especially at higher speeds. However, the Kicks does offer a comfortable driving position, responsive steering, and a good array of safety features. And, of course, its exceptional fuel economy is a major plus for long highway trips. Ultimately, whether or not the Kicks is a good choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and safety and don't mind sacrificing some performance and ride comfort, the Kicks could be a good fit. However, if you're looking for a more powerful and refined highway experience, you might want to consider other options. It's always a good idea to take a test drive and see how the Kicks performs on the highway before making a final decision. Consider your typical driving conditions and how much time you spend on the highway. If most of your driving is done in the city, the Kicks might be perfectly adequate. But if you frequently embark on long road trips, you might want to look for a vehicle that offers a bit more power and comfort. At the end of the day, the Nissan Kicks is a capable and affordable SUV that can handle the highway, but it's important to be aware of its limitations.